In Pictures: Madras Then and Now

What Happened

The Hindu published a visual retrospective on the city of Madras (Chennai), drawing on its archives to show changes across multiple decades. The collection includes a 1961 image of a traffic policeman directing pedestrians crossing to Marina Beach near Triplicane, with a Standard Motor car depicted as a bygone fixture of the era. Other archival notes describe the city’s transport and landmarks, including the opening of Chennai Central railway station in 1873 on land once owned by a Portuguese merchant, the 1925 archival image associated with that station, and the 1980s-to-1991 evolution of Spencer’s Plaza. Adjacent sites mentioned include the Old Curiosity Shop near Spencer’s Plaza, Parry’s Corner, and the Adyar River area near the Thiru Vi Ka Bridge. Additional archival targets include the 1961 traffic scene, the 1985 quiet of the Corner, and the 1987 Triplicane High Road, noted for its late-night food scene. The piece also points to Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram) about 60 km from Chennai and its Shore Temple, as well as Royapuram railway station’s status as the oldest surviving station in the subcontinent, historically the main station until 1907. The Adyar Bridge opened to the public in 1973. The article marks these snapshots as part of a broader city transformation over decades. The publication date for this retrospective is August 22, 2026.

Why It Matters

The collection highlights how infrastructure, urban landmarks, and public spaces have shifted over time, illustrating a city’s adaptation to heat, traffic, and population growth. It ties historical transport routes and architectural footprints to present-day urban dynamics, offering a lens into how central spaces like Marina Beach, Parry’s Corner, and Spencer’s Plaza have evolved in use and meaning for residents.

Background

The narrative leans on The Hindu’s archival imagery to juxtapose past and present in Madras/Chennai. It references longstanding institutions and locations that anchor the city’s memory, including the early railway network, historic marketplaces, and coastal sites that have served as recreation or transit hubs across decades.

Key Facts

• Archival image from 1961 shows a traffic policeman regulating traffic near Marina Beach and Triplicane; a Standard Motor car is depicted as a historical element.
• Chennai Central railway station opened in 1873; it was built on land formerly owned by a Portuguese merchant to relieve congestion at Royapuram station.
• The archival photo set includes a 1925 image connected to Chennai Central station.
• Spencer’s Plaza was built on the skeleton of a department store in the 1980s and opened as a mall in 1991.
• Opposite Spencer’s Plaza lies the Old Curiosity Shop, a historic antique store.
• Parry’s Corner is described as a busy commercial area in the heart of Madras; an archival image from 1987 spotlights Triplicane High Road’s late-night food scene.
• Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram) lies about 60 kilometres from Chennai and is known for the Shore Temple; the town is described as a weekend getaway for city residents.
• Royapuram railway station is the oldest surviving railway station in the subcontinent and served as the main station until 1907; the first train from Madras Presidency ran to Arcot from the old platform.
• The Adyar Bridge (Thiru Vi Ka Bridge) opened to the public in 1973 and is located near Besant Nagar and the Theosophical Society.
• The 1985 archival image shows the bustling Corner as unusually deserted, with few pedestrians and cyclists.
• The 1987 archival image documents Triplicane High Road, noted for its midnight food scene.

What Happens Next

The article does not outline future steps or plans beyond presenting archival comparisons intended to illustrate historical change. It situates these snapshots as part of a continuing project to document the city’s evolving public spaces through The Hindu’s archives.